The holiday season is a time for celebration — family gatherings and office parties fill our calendars. But it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. Despite increased awareness and the availability of rideshare options, drunk driving remains a leading cause of serious injury and death during the holidays.
While the good news is that overall alcohol consumption in the United States has declined and more people are using Uber and Lyft to get home safely, far too many drivers still make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. In Florida, this problem is exacerbated by the large number of visitors who flood the state during the holiday season.
Drunk Driving in Florida: A Persistent Problem
Florida is known for its beaches and year-round balmy weather. But during the holidays, the state becomes even busier as tourists arrive to escape colder climates or visit family. Unfortunately, this influx of visitors — many of whom are unfamiliar with local roads — increases the risk of accidents.
Add alcohol to the mix, and the results can be devastating.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), thousands of alcohol-related crashes occur in Florida every year. During the months of November through January, the number of DUI arrests and drunk driving accidents typically spikes. Law enforcement agencies across the state often increase patrols and DUI checkpoints during this period, but prevention efforts can only go so far when individuals choose to drink and drive.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are So Dangerous
Drunk driving impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and diminishes coordination — all critical skills needed for safe driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can reduce a driver’s ability to make sound decisions behind the wheel. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% is the legal limit in Florida, but impairment begins well before that threshold.
The consequences are often severe:
- Head-on collisions caused by wrong-way drivers
- Rear-end crashes due to delayed reaction times
- Pedestrian or cyclist injuries from a lack of attention
- Catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding
These are not just statistics — they represent lives forever changed by someone’s careless choice to drive after drinking.
What to Do If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver
If you or someone you love is injured in a drunk driving crash, your first priority should always be your health and safety. Seek medical care immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt — some injuries may not be apparent right away.
Next, contact law enforcement to report the incident. Drunk driving is a criminal offense, and a police report will be important for your legal claim.
Ultimately, consider consulting with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney. Victims of drunk driving accidents are often entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Property damage
In cases of extreme negligence, courts may also award punitive damages to hold the drunk driver accountable and deter similar behavior in the future.
Preventing Drunk Driving During the Holidays
The best way to stay safe is through awareness and planning:
- Designate a sober driver before you go out.
- Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft — far cheaper than the cost of an accident.
- Host responsibly by providing non-alcoholic options for guests.
- Report suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement if you see erratic driving.
A few moments of foresight can prevent a lifetime of pain.
Probinsky & Cole Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Florida, the team at Probinsky & Cole is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have decades of experience holding negligent drivers accountable and securing fair compensation for victims.
Contact Probinsky & Cole today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.
